Contact: Michele Frisby, Dir., Public Information, mfrisby@icma.org/202-962-3658 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, welcomes the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the global trade association of the shopping center industry, to its Strategic Partners Program as an executive-level partner.

Founded in 1957, ICSC has more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries, including shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, lenders, retailers, and public officials. ICSC promotes the shopping center industry’s contributions to community and economic development through various educational programs and publications, data and information collection and dissemination, and networking events.

“We at ICMA look forward to our new partnership with ICSC,  an organization that is committed to helping communities enhance their economic development efforts,” said ICMA Executive Director Robert J. O’Neill, Jr. “The resources, knowledge, and experience ICSC brings to this association will help our members better attract businesses and retailers to their communities.” 

“Given our commitment to our nearly 5,000 public sector members throughout North America, ICSC is excited to become a new strategic partner with ICMA,” said Cynthia Stewart, Staff Vice President, Community Development. “We look forward to supporting the ICMA membership in any way we can. Our P3 Retail program and accompanying educational and networking events encourage public-private dialogue and partnerships that are vital to a community’s economic development and will align well with ICMA’s core mission.”

ICMA created its Strategic Partners Program in 1996 as an access point for private sector participation in association programs and activities. ICMA Strategic Partners gain opportunities to help professional local government managers by showcasing leading practice solutions and providing thought leadership.

About ICMA
ICMA, the International City/County Management Association advances professional local government management worldwide. Our mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and advancing professional management to create sustainable communities that improve lives worldwide. ICMA provides member support; publications; data and information; peer and results-oriented assistance; and training and professional development to 10,000-plus city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of individuals living in thousands of communities, from small villages and towns to large metropolitan areas.

About ICSC
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials. The shopping center industry is essential to economic development and opportunity; shopping centers create jobs, drive GDP, and provide a critical revenue source for the communities they serve by generating sales taxes and property tax payments. These taxes fund important municipal services, such as firefighters, police officers, school services, and infrastructure, including roadways and parks.

Shopping centers are not only fiscal engines. They are also an integral part of the social fabric of their communities, providing a central place for residents to congregate with friends and family, discuss community matters, and participate in and encourage philanthropic endeavors. For more information about ICSC, visit www.icsc.org, and for the latest news from ICSC and the industry, go to www.thecenterofshopping.com.